Device for securing lath panels or the like to metal supporting members



Oct. 27, 1959 c; OLSEN 2,909,821

DEVICE FOR SECURING LATH PANELS OR THE LIKE TO METAL SUPPORTING MEMBERS Filed March 7, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR flzders 6: 41967;,

ATTORNEY Oct. 27, 1959 OLSEN 2,909,821

A. C: DEVICE FOR SECURING LATH PANELS OR THE LIKE TO METAL SUPPORTING MEMBERS Filed March 7, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 66 INVENTOR Anders 6.025675 ATTORNEY United States Patent 9 DEVICE FOR SECURING LATH PANELS OR THE LIKE TO METAL SUPPORTING MEMBERS Anders C. Olsen, Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Application March 7, 1958, Serial No. 719,840

1'5 Claims. (Cl. 2481) This invention relates to partition construction, and more particularly to interior partitions of buildings, wherein the partitions are constructed by applying plaster over lath panels supported on spaced studs.

The invention is concerned more particularly with devices for securing lath panels, such as gypsum lath, to metal supporting studs.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 412,351, filed February 24, 1954, issuing as Patent 2,825,949 on March 11, 1958.

Various forms of anchoring devices have heretofore been utilized for attaching lath panels to supporting studs. To a large extent these have replaced direct nailing of the panels to wood studs as well as the wiretying of the panels to metal studs.

During recent years, much emphasis has been placed upon the importance of reduction of sound transmission through plastered partitions and ceilings. The sound transmission loss is far from sufiicient in the plaster partitions and walls as presently constructed. In speciiic terms, the sound-isolating characteristics in these constructions is usually not greater than about 40 decibels sound transmission loss at a frequency of 512 cycles per second, or an average of 45 decibels over a frequency range of 128 to 4,096 cycles.

Plaster partitions and ceilings utilizing clips of the form shown in my prior Patent No. 2,307,899 for mounting lath panels on wood as well as steel studs exhibit sound-isolating values of the order above-mentioned.

However, even with the use of such clips, the retardation of transmission of sound through the plastered partition or ceiling is considerably less than is desirable in many instances. 7

In my aforementioned co-pending application, Serial No. 412,351, there is disclosed a form of fastening clip, made from a single length of wire bent in a manner to provide, at one end thereof, an eye through which a nail or the like may be driven for attaching the clip to a wood stud, and further bent in a manner to provide two pairs of aligned jaws for gripping lath panels along the marginal edges of adjoining panels, the wire being also bent in a manner such that the inner surface ofthe applied panels is spaced from the surface of the studs, and such that the grippingvjaws (and hence the lath panels gripped thereby) have a resilient relation to the studs. As a result, when the customary layers of plaster have been applied to the outer surface of the lath panels, the finished plaster partition exhibits highly desirable sound reduction properties, i.e., such as show a sound transmission loss not less than an average of 50 decibels over a frequency range of 128 to 4,096 cycles.

The principal object of the present invention isto provide a formof fastening clip for mounting lath panels on metal studs or the like, in the construction of plaster partitions, walls, or ceilings, andfor that purpose to provide a fastening clip of the same general panel- ICC 2 gripping construction as the clip disclosed in my aforementioned co-pending application, but formed so as to enable the same to be utilized for mounting such lath panels on metal studs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fastening clip as aforesaid, which will serve effectively for holding lath panels p roperly in place on metal studs and for imparting enhanced sound-isolating value to the finished plastered partition or ceiling.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a fastening clip for attaching lath panels to metal studs as aforesaid, which will also serve to prevent or minimize cracking of the finished plaster surface, arising from settling of the structure or movement of the studs, or other supporting members.

Still another object is to provide a fastening clip, as aforesaid, so formed as to enable it to be used with lath panels of varying thickness, e.g., with gypsum lath panels of standard A" thickness as well as those of thickness.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a clip as aforesaid, so designed that when a number of them are packaged for shipment to the job, they will not become entangled one with another.

The invention and the advantages thereof will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below, and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary view, in side elevation, illus trating one form of clip embodying the invention, in the construction of a plastered partition or the like;

Fig. 2 is a similar fragmentary view, in front elevation, but omitting the layer of plaster for the sake of clarity;

Fig. 3 is a view in cross-section taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a view, in perspective, of the form of fastening clip shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing a form of clip according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the form of clip shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view, in side elevation, showing another form of fastening clip constructed according to the invention, utilized with a different type of metal supporting member;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary View thereof in front elevation.

Fig. 9 is a View, in perspective, of the form of clip shown in Figs. 7 and 8; and

Fig. 10 is a similar view showing a modification of the form of clip of Figs. 7 and 8.

The fastening clips embodying the invention are, as above-indicated, formed from a single piece of wire, which may suitably be of, say, ten to sixteen gauge.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 4, the letter S indicates a conventional form of metal stud, in the form of a channel of U-shaped transverse cross-section, conventionally used in the construction of partitions and the like. For purposes of reference herein, the flanges of the channel are indicated by numerals 10, 11, and the connecting web is indicated by numeral 12.

The clip, generally indicated by the letter C, comprises, according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, a length of wire bent at one of its ends to form a hook portion 21, comprising an outer leg 22 of a length, measured from its end 23 to the return bend 24 about equal to, or even slightly greater than, the transverse dimension of the flanges 11, 12 of the studs S with which it is to be used. The opposite leg of the hook comprises the portion 26 of the wire and preferably forms a relatively elongated, substantially U-shaped hook with the 3 leg 22. Thus the hook 21 may be of a length to enable the clip to be used in conjunction with studs of several different standard sizes.

In accordance with the invention, the return bend 24 is formed so that the leg 22 lies in a common plane with the portion 26, this plane extending outwardly at an angle of about forty-five degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clips. Preferably leg 22 and portion 26 converge at a slight angle toward one another in the direction of the return bend 24. If desired, the leg 22 may be given a slight outward bend intermediate its ends to form a bight portion 25.

At is end remote from return bend 24, the portion 26 is bent, as indicated at 27, downwardly (as viewed in the position of the clip shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4) to form a portion 28. The latter is reversely bent at its opposite end 29 to form a portion 30 extending in a common plane therewith transverse to the plane of the hook 21.

Thus, when the clip is applied to a flange of the studs by inserting the hook 21 over the edge of the flange and properly positioning the clip in relation thereto, the opposite surfaces of the flange will be in tight frictional engagement or gripping contact with the legs 22, 26 of the hook, and the reverse bent portions 28, 29, 30 will be in frictional contact with the outer surface of the web 12 of the stud, thereby preventing bodily movement of the clip along the length of the stud flange. This grip action of the clip on the flange may be made more secure by providing a bight portion 25 along the length of leg 22.

In the foregoing description I have set forth the portions of the clip which constitute the means for attaching it, in use. to a flange of the studs. The remaining portions of the wire constituting the clip are formed to provide means for gripping the lath panels and holding them in spaced and resilient relation with respect to the studs.

Generally stated, the panel gripping members of the clips embodying the present invention are formed similarlv to those of the clip disclosed in my aforementioned co-pending application.

Referring now, therefore, to the panel-gripping member of the clip made according to the present invention, it will be seen, particularly from Fig. l of the drawings, that the portion 30 is bent. as indicated at 32, at its end remote from the bend 29, in the direction away from the portion 28 to form a portion 33 lying in a common plane with the return bent portions 28, 29, 30, the portion 33 extending at an angle of approximately 135 degrees to the portion 30.

As will be seen further, the bend 32 is located at a point such that the portion 33 is disposed in a plane, when viewed in a direction from a side of the clip, as shown for example in Fig. l, spaced slightly from the flange of the stud.

Member 33 may be of a length of, say, one and onehalf to three inches. At the end of member 33 remote from the bend 32, the wire is return-bent at 34 to provlde a portion 35 of a length approximately half that of member 33. The leg 35 and the lower half of member 33 form a substantially U-shaped member lying in a plane at a right angle to the plane in which the portions 23, 29, 30 of the wire are disposed.

At is end remote from the return bend 34, the leg 35 of the U-shaped member is bent at an angle of about ninety degrees, as indicated at 36, to provide a portion 37 extending in a direction. with respect to member 33, Opposed to that of the portions 28, 29, 30. The length of portlon 37 may suitable be from three-eighths to threequarters of an inch. At its end remote from the bend 3 6, the portion 37 is bent as indicated at 38 in a direction away from leg 35, to provide a portion 39 of a length approximately equal to that of le 35 and lying in a common plane therewith. .A its end 1?- 4 mote from the bend 38, the portion 39 is return bent as indicated at 40, to provide a portion 41 lying in a common plane with the portion 39, and of a length sufficient to extend to and preferably slightly beyond the return bend 34. Preferably, the portion 41 is bent slightly outward adjacent the end 42 thereof, as indicated at 43.

In this manner, the clip is provided with a pair of companion panel-gripping members for gripping adjoining panels along the margins thereof. Thus, viewing the clip in the position shown in Fig. 4, one gripping member comprises portion 39, return bend 40 and the upper part of portion 41 which, together, constitute one of its jaws, and the upper part of portion 33 'which constitutes its opposite jaw. The other gripping member comprises the lower part of portion 41 constituting one of its jaws, and portion 35, return bend 34 and the lower part of portion 33, which, together, constitute its opposite aw. J In use, the clips may readily be positioned at any desired locations on the studs, without the use of any tools so as to enable them to serve for mounting lath panels on the studs and for holding the panels in resilently mounted relation with respect to the studs.

The clips may be positioned on the studs simply by first inserting the hook 21 over a flange, such as flange 11, of the stud, while holding the clip with its panelgripping portion tilted at a relatively slight angle away from the flange, and then tilting the clip back in the direction of the flange until the panel-gripping jaws be substantially parallel to the flange. In that position, the leg 22 and portion 26 constituting the hook 21 frictionally engage both opposite surfaces of the flange 11, and the return-bent portion 28, 29, 30 engages the outer surface of web 12, with suflicient force to exert a binding action which holds the clip in desired position.

At the lower portion of Fig. 1 there is illustrated a modified form of the clip, indicated generally by the reference character C-1, for use at the lower end of the studs, i.e., adjacent the floor line, for mounting the lowermost row of panels in a partition. As will be seen, the clip C1 is formed at one of its ends with a hook portion 21a, and return-bent portions 28a, 29a, 30a (corresponding to the hook 21 and portions 28, 29, 30 of the clip C) for positioning the clip in engagement with the leg 11 of the channel. In order that the clip be useable as a starter clip at the floor line, it is provided with a single, rather than a pair of panel-gripping members. The jaw of the panel-gripping member is formed by a length of the wire bent at 34a in a direction away from the hook portion 21a to form one jaw 33a and a spaced jaw 35a connected thereto by the portion 340:, these jaws lying in a common plane with the portions 28a, 29a, 30a. Adiacent its outer end, the jaw 35a is preferably bent slightly outward as indicated at 45.

As will be seen, the starter clips 01 may be placed in engagement with the flange 11 of the stud in the same manner as described above with reference to clip C.

In constructing a partition or the like, utilizing the clips above-described for mounting the lath panels, one of the clips C1 will be engaged with flange 11 of each of the studs adjacent the lower end thereof along the floor line, whereupon the lowermost row of lath panels, indicated at L, may be applied with the lower marginal edge thereof extending between and so as to be gripped by the gripping jaws 33a, 35a of the clips C-1. Clips C may then be engaged with the flange 11 of each stud in the manner described and in position enabling the lower jaws 33-35 and 41 of the lower panel-gripping member to embrace and grip the panels L along their upper marginal portions, the connecting portion 37 of the clips being brought into contact with the upper edge of panels L. The succeeding row of lath panels, indicated at L-1, may then be mounted in position so that the jaws 33 and pf the upper panel-gripping member embrace and grip the panels 1-1 along their lower marginal portions, with the bottom edges thereof resting in contact with the portion 37 of the clips C. This same procedure, as will now be understood, may be continued for the succeeding rows of lath panels L-l, to the desired height of the partition.

When thus applied to the studs, the fastening clips embodying the present invention serve to mount the lath panels on the metal studs, with the inner surfaces of the panels spaced from and out of direct contact with the studs. The distance of this spacing will depend, as will be apparent, upon the length of, and angle at which portion 36 or 30a of the clip extends. Desirably, these will be such that the spacing may be in the range of one eighth to one-quarter of an inch.

Thus, by utilizing the clips of the invention, the lath panels may be mounted on metal channel studs in position spaced from the studs and inresilient relation to the studs.

Furthermore, by making the respective legs of the panel-gripping jaws of suflicient length, say, at least threequarters of an inch, the resultant resiliencybetween the opposing jaws of each of the panel-gripping members makes possible the furnishing of the same size clip for use with lath panels, such as gypsum board, of several of the standard thicknesses in which such panels are conventionally supplied to the trade. Thus, by making the clips with bridging portions 37 of a given length, such as to permit the clips to be employed for mounting lath panels of three-eighths inch thickness, the same clip may be utilized, if the legs of the panel-gripping jaws are of suflicient length, as above set forth, in installations in which the lath panels are of a thickness as much as onehalf inch.

Still further, as will be clear from Fig. 1, the bridging portions 37 of the clips serve to space the longitudinal edges of adjacent panels from one another, enabling the plaster applied over the panels to extend and key into these open joints to enhance the bonding of the plaster layer to the panel surface. The transverse dimension of these joints may be increased, if desired, by bending portion 37 so that it extends at an angle greater than ninety degrees with respect to the planes in which the jaws of the panel-gripping members are disposed.

As will be observed, particularly from Figs. 2 and 3, the panel-gripping members of clips C are disposed in oflset relation to the hook portion 21, i.e., they lie on the side of the plane in which connecting portion 28, 29, 30 is disposed, opposite the side thereof on which the hook portion is disposed. Hence, when in proper engagement with the studs, the panel-gripping members are disposed laterally of the web 12 of the studs.

In some instances, it may be necessary or desirable that the panel-gripping members be disposed substantially on the same side of the plane of connecting portion 28, 29, 30 as that on which hook portion 21 is disposed, so as to be disposed substantially in transverse alignment with the flange of the studs when the clips are in proper engagement therewith.

Another embodiment of the invention, suitable for use in such instances, is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6.

In this embodiment of the clips, indicated generally by C-2, the portion 34b of the wire, which connects portion 33b and 35b is bent to extend in the direction of the hook portion 21b rather than in the opposite direction, as in the case of clip C of Figs. 1-4. Correspondingly, the return bend 49b connecting leg 3% with leg 41b is disposed to the same side of leg 33b as is portion 34b.

Thus, when clip 0-2 is engaged with the flange 11 of the studs, the panel-gripping jaws will be disposed, as will be seen from Fig. 5, more or less immediately forward of the flange 11, instead of being disposed in laterally ofiset relation thereto as in the embodiment of Figs. 14.

Although I have in the foregoing description referred to the clips as being used formounting lath panels on one side of the stud, namely, in association with the flanges 11, it is a further feature of the invention that the sameclips may be similarly used for mounting lath panels in association with the opposite flange .10 of the studs. In such cases, it is necessary merely to reverse the clips end for end.

Further, although in the foregoing description I have referred to the use of the clips for mounting lath panels on vertically extending studs in constructing plaster partitions or walls, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the clips may likewise be employed for mounting lath panels on metal channels in constructing plaster ceilings.

Figs. 7 to 10 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the clip, indicated generally by C-3, is designed especially for use in certain types of construction, where it may be necessary or desirable that the clip be engaged at both ends with the metal stud or supporting member.

As will be seen, the single piece of wire of which the clip is constituted, is bent to form at one of its ends, a U-shaped hook portion 51 and an adjoining return-bent portion 58, 59, 60, similarly in all material respects to the corresponding portions of the embodiments previously described. In the present embodiment, however, the leg 63 constituting one jaw of the adjacent panel-gripping member is bent outwardly to provide a connecting portion 64 with the leg 65 of the opposed jaw of the other panel-gripping member, the portion 64 being of a length corresponding substantially to the thickness of the lath panels with which the clips are to be used. At its end remote from portion 64, the leg 65 is return-bent at 66 to provide a leg portion 67, extending in a common plane therewith, this plane lying at a right angle to the plane in which return-bent portions 58, 59, 60 are disposed. At its end 68 remote from the return-bend 66, the portion 67 is formed with a return-bend 69 lying in a common plane with portions 65, 66 and 67 to provide a portion 70 lying in the same common plane. At its end remote from the return-bend 69, the portion 70 is bent inwardly toward leg 63 to provide a downwardly inclined portion 71 again bent downwardly at 72 to provide a leg 73 substantially in alignment with leg 63. Adjacent its' outer end, leg 73 is bent at 74 to form a. U-shaped hook 75 opening in the same direction as the portion 51, but lying in a plane disposed at an angle, With respect to leg 73, slightly sharper than that at which hook portion 51 is disposed with respect to leg 63.

As will be seen, particularly from Figs. 7 and 8, the clips of this embodiment may be utilized with either or both flanges 80, 81, of the supporting member indicated by 5-1. The clips may be mounted on the supporting member by first engaging the hook portion 51 thereof with the flange in a manner much the same as set forth with reference to the embodiments previously described. Thereupon, when the clip has been brought into a position in which the panel-gripping members of the clip lie substantially parallel to the flange, the resiliency of the clip enables the hook portion 7 5, by using the grip of hook portion 63 as a fulcrum, to be sprung over the edge of the flange so as to embrace the latter.

In lieu of the form of hook shown at 75 in Fig. 9, the leg 73 may be bent adjacent its outer end to form a rightangular hook 75a extending in a plane transverse to the lengthwise direction of the legs 73. This modified form of the hook may be more conveniently used in certain instances.

As will be noted from Fig. 7, the clips of this embodiment are mounted in one lengthwise direction on one of the flanges, and in the opposite lengthwise direction on the other flange.

It will be understood that various other modifications may be adopted within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim, is:

1. A clip for mounting lath panels on metal studs of U-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration, said clip comprising a single length of wire bent to provide: a relatively elongated substantially U-shaped hook portion at one end of the clip; a panel-gripping member comprising a pair of spaced, substantially parallel panelgripping jaws lying in a common plane; and a portion connecting one of said jaws with said hook portion said connecting portion lying in said common plane in which said jaws are disposed, said common plane extending at an angle of substantially ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis of said U-shaped hook portion.

2. A clip as defined in claim 1, wherein the legs of said connecting portion are of a length such that both jaws of said panel-gripping member will be disposed in spaced relation to the flange of a metal stud when said hook portion is in frictional engagement with said flange.

3. A clip as defined in claim 1, wherein said wire is resilient and wherein the legs of said connecting portion are of a length such that both jaws of said panelgripping member will be disposed in spaced and resilient relation to the flange of a metal stud when said hook portion is in frictional engagement with said flange.

4. A clip for mounting lath panels on metal studs of U-shaped transverse cross-sectional configuration, said clip comprising a single length of wire bent to provide: a substantially U-shaped hook portion at one end of the clip with its major axis extending transversely of the major axis of the clip; a pair of panel-gripping members each comprising substantially parallel jaws spaced transversely from one another, one jaw of one of said panelgripping members being joined with a jaw of the other of said members by a portion of the wire lying substantially at a right angle to the planes in which said jaws are disposed; and a portion connecting one end of said hook portion with the other jaw of the first-named panel-gripping member, said connecting portion being disposed in a plane substantially at a right angle to the major axis of said hook portion.

5. A clip as defined in claim 4, wherein the legs of said connecting portion are of a length suificient to enable both jaws of each of said panel-gripping member to be disposed in spaced relation to the flange of such metal stud when said hook portion is in frictional engagement with said flange.

6. A clip as defined in claim 4, wherein said wire is resilient and wherein the legs of said connecting portion are of a length sufficient to enable both jaws of each of said panel-gripping members to be disposed in spaced and resilient relation to the flange of such metal stud when said hook portion is in frictional engagement with said flange.

7. A clip as defined in claim 4, wherein said panelgripping members are disposed on the side of the plane of said connecting portion opposite that on which said hook portion is disposed.

8. A clip as defined in claim 5, wherein said panelgripping members are disposed on the side of the plane of said connecting portion opposite that on which said hook portion is disposed.

9. A clip as defined in claim 6, wherein said panelgripping members are disposed on the side of the plane of said connecting portion opposite that on which said hook portion is disposed.

10. A clip as defined in claim 4, wherein said panelgripping members are disposed on the same side of the plane of said connecting portion as that on which said hook portion is disposed.

11. A clip as defined in claim 5, wherein said panelgripping members are disposed on the said side of the plane of said connecting portion as that on which said hook portion is disposed.

12. A clip as defined in claim 6, wherein said panelgripping members are disposed on the same side of the plane of said connecting portion as that on which said hook portion is disposed.

13. A clip as defined in claim 4, wherein one of the jaws of one of said panel-gripping members is formed of a portion of the wire extending beyond the outer end of said jaw, said last-named portion being bent adjacent its end to provide a second hook portion at the opposite end of the clip for engagement with the flange of such metal stud after said first-named hook portion has been engaged with said flange.

14. A clip as defined in claim 5, and wherein one of the jaws of one of said panel-gripping members is formed of a portion of the wire extending beyond the outer end of said jaw, said last-named portion being bent adjacent its end to provide a second hook portion at the opposite end of the clip for engagement with said flange after said firstnamed hook portion has been engaged with said flange.

15. A cli as defined in claim 6, and wherein one of the jaws of one of said panel-gripping members is formed of a portion of the wire extending beyond the outer end of said jaw, said last-named portion being bent adjacent its end to provide a second hook portion at the opposite end of the clip for engagement with said flange after said first-named hook portion has been engaged with said flange.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,716,674 Viswat June 11, 1929 2,641,035 Nelsson June 9, 1953 2,816,436 Nelsson Dec. 17, 1957 2,843,230 Nelsson July 15, 1958 

